LGBT Latinx Voices Speak Out Against Orlando Tragedy

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News of Sunday’s Orlando mass shooting has resonated deeply with the LGBT Latinx community. As the City of Orlando continues to release the names of the victims killed at the Pulse nightclub, more and more Latino and Latina names are emerging on the list. Outlets like BuzzFeed and NPR are updating their sites with personal stories about the Orlando victims, and many are also speaking out.

Last night, Puerto Rican LGBT Pedro Julio Serrano told Latino Rebels that he was heading to Orlando on Monday morning, after finding out that one of his friends was a victim of the shooting. Serrano also said that many of the first victims identified were Puerto Rican.

“At least the ones I know who were killed were very much loved by their families,” Serrano said. “We’re going to raise their voices.”

As news of the tragedy dominated the Sunday headlines, National LGBTQ Task Force’s Jorge Amaro joined other leaders to condemn the attack:

“Now is a time for the whole nation to stand together against violence, against hatred, and against extremism of any kind. We must also resist and renounce any and all efforts to demonize entire faith communities,” Amaro said. “Words are weapons and now is the time for elected leaders to show real leadership by doing all they can to create an America free from gun violence and hate crimes. Our leaders must also act to eliminate all forms of discrimination that prevent LGBTQ people from helping our brothers and sisters in this time of need, such as donating blood.”